I am a firm believer that organisation is key when it comes to having a successful, big family trip.

While spontaneity works well for some, it is not ideal when traveling with a large family. The last thing you need is to arrive to your final destination, only to find that Timmy forgot his important prescriptions.

I am a checklist person; always have been, always will be. I have a checklist I use for packing clothes, a list for packing equipment, and a checklist of priorities to complete before my departure.

The last list includes making sure that I have a neighbour getting my mail, ensuring that I’ve made reservations for my dog to stay with a family member while I’m gone, and making sure that my bank knows the locations to where I’ll be traveling.

There is nothing worse than being on a big family trip and having to deal with a issue regarding your debit or credit card— it pays to plan ahead.

Below are some of the most important ways in which you can ensure you have a fun family vacation.

Organising Departures

Visualise your entire trip from the moment you set foot outside of your home. If you’re flying, ensure your vehicle is big enough for all the luggage being brought. Also, plan ahead for arrangements to leave your vehicle at the airport.

If you’re driving the entire way, make sure to fill up on gas before hitting the road. A stop within the first half hour sets precedent for continuous stops along the trip.

Plan for the Worst, Expect the Best

Don’t be a Debbie Downer; however, have contingency plans established. Moreover, budget in some emergency cash.

Having a few hundred additional dollars, in cash, can be the difference between a great vacation and ending a vacation on a sour note due to unexpected charges and expenses.

Another way to prevent a family vacation from going up in flames is to purchase American Express trip insurance plans. Whether you have a medical emergency, trip cancellations, or trip delays, good travel insurance will remove the financial sting from your travel woes.

Establish a Game Plan

Taking the time to poll your family before embarking on a trip will cut out all the bickering and indecisiveness during the trip. If everyone is on the same page, you don’t have to worry about unnecessary arguing and wasted time. More importantly, this allows you to properly budget. Knowing what attractions, museums, and restaurant you’ll be attending will allow you to better estimate costs.

Whether you’re packing ten people in an RV for a trip across the country or flying first class around the world, a proper plan will take the headache out of traveling, allowing you to enjoy your destination…and more importantly, enjoy stress-free time with your family.